The Bureau of Immigration has extended the visa-free entry privilege of nationals from 151 countries starting in August.
In a statement, Immigrations officer-in-charge Siegfred Mison said foreigners can stay in the Philippines for 30 days without applying for visas. The new policy is aimed at spurring more international tourist arrivals here.
Foreigners whose travel documents are valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay are eligible to the visa-free privilege, according to Mison. Nationals from Israel and Brazil can stay in the country for 59 days since the Philippines has existing bilateral agreements that cover their stay here.
The official said the bureau completed updating its travel control systems in the country’s different points of entry to implement the new visa policy.
The Department of Tourism said it aims to attract at least 10 million foreign tourists by 2016. DOT officials also foresee the tourism sector to generate up to seven million jobs for Filipinos if the target is achieved.–MM
